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Greenwood Council To Revisit Police Station Tax

GREENWOOD — Greenwood leaders examined the potential for a new police station Monday, eventually opting to revisit the issue in November.

Police Chief Will Dawson met with the Greenwood City Council at a study session to discuss his need for a station and how best to present a tax to voters to fund the project.

“I think the council needs to be involved to know which direction we need to head from the beginning, down to the smallest things as location up to the important things such as the percentage on the sales tax to ask for,” Dawson said.

Currently, the police station operates out of City Hall. When it comes to a tax, “there’s never a good time,” Dawson said.

“But we’re out of space,” he said.

In consulting with Fort Smith-based MAHG Architecture, Dawson came up with a total cost range between $3 million and $5 million, plus land acquisition and engineering and architect fees. The station site, which could house a third fire station one day, would be located on the city’s west side near Arkansas 71.

“Ideally, as of today, it’s right where we’re standing right now,” Dawson said. “But, if you’re figuring in future growth, I believe our growth is that way with (Interstate) 49 coming. That may be the center of town.”

Options to fund the police station include a five-year, 1-percent tax or a 10-year, half-cent tax. The current sales tax in Greenwood is 9 percent. Neighboring Fort Smith is 9.25 percent.

“That 1-percent scares a lot of people,” Dawson said. “Maybe a half-cent is easier to swallow. I’m not sure.”

Councilman Rod Powell recommended placing a half-cent tax before voters, “and we can say we’re no different than Fort Smith.”

“I think, generally, the people who are going to vote for this are going to vote for it whether it’s a $5 million project or $6 million,” Johnson said. “The people who are going to vote against it are going to vote against it whether it’s a $5 million project or a $1 million project. So, make sure if it passes, it passes with room to build what you think we need.”

The police department has 20 officers and two civilian personnel. Police calls since 2008 have averaged about 2,600 a year.

In November, the council is expected to address a more specific cost range, station dimensions and potential ballot language.

During the regular meeting that followed Monday’s study session, the council tabled for 60 days the third and final reading of an ordinance creating a parks commission.

According to the ordinance, the commission “is authorized to acquire, reconstruct, extend, equip, approve and operate all parks and recreation facilities within the city limits. …”

If the ordinance is passed in September, the council would appoint nine members to the commission, which would oversee the city’s parks and park funds. However, financial decisions would need council approval.